Akpabio, Yahaya Bello to testify as FG files criminal charge against Natasha Akpoti

The federal government has instituted a suit against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, over alleged defamatory remarks made on live television.

The suit marked CR/297/25 and filed before a federal capital territory high court on May 16, 2025, has Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.

The government accused the senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person”, citing section 391 of the Penal Code, cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under section 392 of the same law.

The list of witnesses obtained by TheCable shows that Godswill Akpabio, senate president; and Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state, will testify during the trial.

Although full details of the charges are yet to be seen, count one accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory allegations during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on April 3, 2025.

Other witnesses listed to testify in the suit includes Asuquo Ekpenyong, a senator;  Sandra Duru; Maya Iliya, investigating police officer; and Abdulhafiz Garba, investigating police officer.

Akpabi and Bello are said to be the nominal complainants.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.

The lawmaker said she believed her suspension was illegal, unjust and a way of silencing her.

She also rejected the senate’s position that she was not suspended over the sexual harassment claim.

Over the weeks that have followed, the Kogi senator has made several allegations and submitted petitions against the senate president.

In April, Akpabio petitioned Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, over the assassination allegation levelled against him by Akpoti-Uduaghan

He demanded an immediate investigation and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan under relevant laws for “criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace”.

Bello had also petitioned the IGP over claims made by the Kogi senator, alleging that the former governor initiated and funded her recall process.

She had accused Bello of acting on Akpabio’s instruction to orchestrate her assassination outside Abuja, in a manner that would appear as a mob or local attack.